The mitigation of the progressive collapse of a 9-storey structure incorporating United States Department of Defence guidelines

Abstract

Many failures such as those due to blast, impact, wind pressure and earthquakes can be caused by the progressive collapse in structures. This paper will discuss different mitigation methods for progressive collapse corresponding numerical analysis for a 9-storey reinforced concrete structure by SAP2000 following severe initial damage. After removing specified critical columns the demand capacity ratio (DCR) of the members will be measured by the latest revision of Department of Defence of the United States (DOD) guideline, which is one of the most complete sets of criteria in terms of providing useful guidance to the designers in 2013. The structure has a potential of progressive collapse if DCR is more than 2 for symmetrical structure. Two approaches will be presented to diminish the potential of progressive collapse in the structures. They are adequate increase in the size of structural elements throughout the structure and establishing of bracing system at the top level. To gain the best method among all that have been presented for the mitigation of progressive collapse, providing Bracing at the top level is the most effective and economical method.